The National Performance Program is an individually based program, designed to develop nationally identified athletes for the demands of international level competition, technically, tactically, mentally and athletically.

The program is overseen by Basketball SA’s State Player and Coach Performance Manager in conjunction with Basketball Australia’s High-Performance coaches and assisted by high level local coaches.

Players are given extra technical sessions, injury prevention sessions and medical (including load and wellness monitoring) support on a term by term basis.

The summarised criteria for player selection in the NPP are:

1.  Eligibility to represent Australia at the international level under FIBA eligibility protocols (or have the ability to achieve eligibility within 3 months of selection). NOTE: Players who have played an official FIBA game for another country are ineligible for selection.

2.  Be fully financial with Basketball SA and/or SA Country Basketball.

3.  Be identified by National selectors to represent (or have the potential to represent) Australia in the following teams:

a. Under 15, 16 and 17 Boy’s and Girl’s Teams (Crocs and Sapphires);

b. Under 17, 18 and 19 Men’s and Women’s teams (Emus and Gems);

c. Centre of Excellence or NBA Global Academy Scholarship at the AIS;

d. Senior Australian Representation (Emerging Boomers or Opals, Boomers or Opals).

4. Recent performance at a consistently high level at an Australian Junior Championships.

Selections are reviewed quarterly.

The requirements for players in the NPP are:

1. Fulfil all requirements of Basketball SA’s State Performance Program (the next tier down in the High-Performance Program).
2. Attend all compulsory NPP sessions:
   1. Technical and Tactical;
   2. Athletic Development;
   3. Wellness.
3. Load management is overseen by Basketball SA’s State Player & Coach Performance Manager and Head of Medical Services. Participants agree to follow directions with regards to commitments to other basketball programs (e.g. association, club, school) and other sports and activities.

On court sessions are led by the SPCPM with the assistance of experienced coaches. Athletic Development sessions will be led by BSA Strength and Conditioning staff. The Head of Medical Services oversees player load and wellbeing via the OwnUrGoal app and Basketball Australia’s Athlete Monitoring System (AMS) tool.